Lamppost Education Initiative https://lamppostedu.org/ We offer Islamic Online Courses, videos and articles from Muslim American Scholars Tue, 26 May 2026 03:52:17 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.5 https://lamppostedu.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/fav-100x100.png Lamppost Education Initiative https://lamppostedu.org/ 32 32 The Risālah Course | Mālikī Jurisprudence Explained by Dr. Abdullah bin Hamid Ali https://lamppostedu.org/risalah-course/ https://lamppostedu.org/risalah-course/#respond Wed, 06 May 2026 01:17:52 +0000 https://lamppostedu.org/?p=19869 The Risālah of Ibn Abī Zayd al-Qayrawānī A Foundational Study in Mālikī Jurisprudence & Creed   The Risālah (Epistle) of Imam ʿAbdullāh b. Abī Zayd al-Qayrawānī is one of the oldest, most influential, and foundational texts in the Mālikī school of Islamic jurisprudence. Its author—renowned throughout the Muslim world for his mastery of law, creed, […]

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Portrait of Dr. Abdullah bin Hamid Ali wearing glasses and a red fez at a desk

The Risālah of Ibn Abī Zayd al-Qayrawānī

A Foundational Study in Mālikī Jurisprudence & Creed

 

The Risālah (Epistle) of Imam ʿAbdullāh b. Abī Zayd al-Qayrawānī is one of the oldest, most influential, and foundational texts in the Mālikī school of Islamic jurisprudence. Its author—renowned throughout the Muslim world for his mastery of law, creed, and scholarship—was famously called “Little Mālik” due to his vast knowledge, precision, and intellectual brilliance.

In this unique course, Dr. Abdullah bin Hamīd Ali will guide students through a careful reading of the Risālah, providing live English translation and detailed commentary drawn from classical Mālikī sources and the broader Sunni scholarly tradition. Dr. Ali is widely recognized for his expertise in Mālikī thought, Islamic theology, and classical Islamic scholarship.

Lesson 1

Lesson 2

Lesson 3

Lesson 4 Will be Available May 30th, 2026

Over the life of the course, students will study a wide range of subjects, including:

  • Creed (ʿAqīdah)
  • Ritual Purification
  • Prayer (Ṣalāh) & the Qur’an
  • Final Rites and Funerals
  • Fasting (Ṣawm) & Spiritual Retreat
  • The Poor Due (Zakāh)
  • Pilgrimage (Ḥajj)
  • Ritual Slaughter & Hunting
  • Circumcision
  • Lawful and Unlawful Foods
  • Jihād
  • Marriage, Divorce, Reconciliation, and Nursing
  • Waiting Periods and Maintenance
  • Sales and Financial Transactions
  • Bequests and Inheritance
  • Gifts, Mortgages, Deposits, and Property
  • Court Verdicts and Witness Testimony
  • Criminal Law and Scripturally Mandated Punishments
  • Personal Hygiene, Dress, and Etiquette
  • Food and Drink
  • Greetings, Supplication, and Litanies
  • Medical Treatment and Related Rulings
  • Dreams, Omens, Games, Sports, and Recreation

This course offers students an opportunity to connect with a living scholarly tradition rooted in clarity, balance, and deep adherence to the Qur’an, Sunnah, and the understanding of the early generations of Muslims.

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]]> https://lamppostedu.org/risalah-course/feed/ 0 Interpretation of the Salaf – Part II: Deepening the Discussion on Divine Attributes https://lamppostedu.org/attributes-of-god-interview-2/ Sun, 26 Apr 2026 16:26:37 +0000 https://lamppostedu.org/?p=19849 For centuries, Muslims have wrestled with one of theology’s most important questions: How do we affirm the divine attributes without likening God to His creation? In this Part II of our ongoing conversation, Imam Rashad Abdur-Rahmaan continues his interview with Dr. Abdullah bin Hamid Ali, building upon the foundations laid in Part I. This second […]

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Promotional graphic for Lamppost Education Initiative featuring Imam Rashad Abdur-Rahmaan and Dr Abdullah bin Hamid Ali discussing The Attributes of God by Imam Ibn al-Jawzi

For centuries, Muslims have wrestled with one of theology’s most important questions: How do we affirm the divine attributes without likening God to His creation?

In this Part II of our ongoing conversation, Imam Rashad Abdur-Rahmaan continues his interview with Dr. Abdullah bin Hamid Ali, building upon the foundations laid in Part I. This second discussion moves beyond introduction and into a more focused exploration of key theological terminology and concepts related to Islamic creed (‘aqīdah).

Drawing from the newly released translation, The Attributes of God—the first English rendering of Imam Ibn al-Jawzi’s Dafʿ Shubah al-Tashbīh bi-Akaff al-Tanzīh—Dr. Abdullah provides deeper clarity on:

  • the precise meanings of foundational terms used in classical theology
  • how misunderstandings of terminology lead to confusion about creed
  • the role of interpretation (ta’wīl) in Sunni orthodoxy
  • how the early scholars (Salaf) approached ambiguous texts with nuance and restraint
  • why careful language is essential when discussing the divine attributes

Where Part I introduced the historical and intellectual context, Part II sharpens the lens, helping viewers better understand the language, frameworks, and methodological precision that underpin orthodox Sunni belief.

This continuation is especially valuable for students, educators, and anyone seeking to move beyond surface-level debates toward a more grounded, principled understanding of Islamic theology.

In an age where discussions on creed are often oversimplified or misrepresented, this conversation offers a much-needed return to clarity, balance, and scholarly depth.

We encourage our readers, students, and supporters to watch the full interview and secure their copy of The Attributes of God, a landmark publication now available through Lamppost Education Initiative.

Order Your Copy Today

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]]> New Interview: Dr. Abdullah bin Hamid Ali on The Attributes of God with Imam Rashad Abdur-Rahmaan https://lamppostedu.org/attributes-of-god-interview/ Thu, 09 Apr 2026 04:27:15 +0000 https://lamppostedu.org/?p=19806 For centuries, Muslims have wrestled with one of theology’s most important questions: How do we affirm the divine attributes without likening God to His creation? In this timely and thought-provoking conversation, Dr. Abdullah bin Hamid Ali joins Imam Rashad Abdur-Rahmaan for a deep discussion on our newly released translation, The Attributes of God, the first […]

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Promotional graphic for Lamppost Education Initiative featuring Imam Rashad Abdur-Rahmaan and Dr Abdullah bin Hamid Ali discussing The Attributes of God by Imam Ibn al-Jawzi

For centuries, Muslims have wrestled with one of theology’s most important questions: How do we affirm the divine attributes without likening God to His creation?

In this timely and thought-provoking conversation, Dr. Abdullah bin Hamid Ali joins Imam Rashad Abdur-Rahmaan for a deep discussion on our newly released translation, The Attributes of God, the first English rendering of Imam Ibn al-Jawzi’s Dafʿ Shubah al-Tashbīh bi-Akaff al-Tanzīh.

The discussion explores:

  • the historical debates surrounding divine attributes
  • how early scholars approached ambiguous scriptural texts
  • misconceptions about “the creed of the Salaf”
  • the importance of preserving Sunni theological clarity in the modern age
  • why Ibn al-Jawzi’s work remains essential for English-speaking Muslims today

This conversation is especially important in a time when online discussions about creed often generate more heat than light. Dr. Abdullah carefully explains why this classical text remains a critical guide for serious students, teachers, and seekers of sacred knowledge.

We encourage our readers, students, and supporters to watch the full interview and secure their copy of The Attributes of God, a landmark publication now available through Lamppost Education Initiative.

Order Your Copy Today

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]]> The Attributes of God by Ibn al-Jawzi | English Translation https://lamppostedu.org/attributes-of-god/ Thu, 12 Mar 2026 20:04:15 +0000 https://lamppostedu.org/?p=19745 A MAJOR WORK OF ISLAMIC THEOLOGY The Attributes of God A Translation of Dafʿ Shubah al-Tashbīh bi-Akaff al-Tanzīh by Imam Ibn al-Jawzi Buy the Book on Amazon Attributes of God presents the first modern English translation of Imam Ibn al-Jawzi’s celebrated theological work Dafʿ Shubah al-Tashbīh bi-Akaff al-Tanzīh, a powerful defense of the Sunni principle […]

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A MAJOR WORK OF ISLAMIC THEOLOGY

The Attributes of God

A Translation of Dafʿ Shubah al-Tashbīh bi-Akaff al-Tanzīh by Imam Ibn al-Jawzi

Buy the Book on Amazon

Attributes of God presents the first modern English translation of Imam Ibn al-Jawzi’s celebrated theological work Dafʿ Shubah al-Tashbīh bi-Akaff al-Tanzīh, a powerful defense of the Sunni principle that God is utterly unlike His creation. This scholarly edition brings together the translation of Dr. Abdullah bin Hamid Ali, an introduction by Dr. Khalid Yahya Blankinship, a biography by Shaykh Gibril Fouad Haddad, and classical commentary by Shaykh Muhammad Zahid al-Kawthari. Together, these contributions offer readers a rich exploration of one of the most important debates in Islamic theology.

Scholarly Contributors

Dr. Abdullah bin Hamid Ali 

Translator

Shaykh Gibril Fouad Haddad

Biography

Dr. Khalid Yahya Blankinship

Introduction

Shaykh Muhammad Zahid al-Kawthari

Classical Commentary

About the Work

Dafʿ Shubah al-Tashbīh bi-Akuff al-Tanzīh by Imam Ibn al-Jawzi is one of the most important classical works written in defense of the Sunni doctrine of divine transcendence. In this work, Ibn al-Jawzi addresses misunderstandings about the Qurʾānic verses and prophetic reports that describe the divine attributes. His aim is to safeguard the central Islamic belief that God is utterly unlike His creation while remaining faithful to the language of revelation.

Writing in the sixth century of Islam, Ibn al-Jawzi confronted theological trends that interpreted certain texts in ways that risked attributing human qualities to God. With careful scholarship and deep respect for the early Sunni tradition, he clarifies the proper approach to these texts, emphasizing the principle of tanzīh—affirming God’s absolute transcendence and incomparability.

This edition presents the first modern English translation of Ibn al-Jawzi’s celebrated treatise. Through the translation of Dr. Abdullah bin Hamid Ali, together with scholarly contributions from leading contemporary scholars, readers are given access to a work that has long played a vital role in the intellectual defense of Sunni theology. At a time when questions about the interpretation of sacred texts remain as relevant as ever, this translation helps make an important classical voice accessible to a new generation of students and readers.

Explore this important classical defense of Sunni theology.

Purchase The Attributes of God today.

Get Your Copy on Amazon

Praise for the Work

“A valuable contribution that will help bring about some clarity for the Muslim community.”

— Imam Zaid Shakir

“The Attributes of God says as much about humankind as the Divine…”
 — Bruce B. Lawrence, Duke University

“…an excellent translation exposing to the English reader a major work of Islamic intellectual history and discourse. Yet this work resonates beyond the historical limits of its origins, and takes its rightful place within the present discursive landscape. Indeed, this text represents a major intervention in the literature, making it not only relevant today, but crucial to American Muslim scholarly and public discourse.”

— Amir Al-Islam
Distinguished Lecturer of African American History and World Civilization
Medgar Evers College, Brooklyn, New York

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]]> A Night of Light and Remembrance: Imam Fodé Dramé Comes to Atlanta This Monday https://lamppostedu.org/night-with-imam-fode-drame/ Thu, 11 Dec 2025 05:09:42 +0000 https://lamppostedu.org/?p=19574 It is not often that the Muslim community in Atlanta is blessed with the presence of a teacher whose words reach beyond the mind and settle directly into the heart. Yet this Monday evening, the Muad Bin Jabal Islamic Center will host Imam Fodé Dramé—a scholar whose deep insight into the Qur’an and the Sunnah […]

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It is not often that the Muslim community in Atlanta is blessed with the presence of a teacher whose words reach beyond the mind and settle directly into the heart. Yet this Monday evening, the Muad Bin Jabal Islamic Center will host Imam Fodé Dramé—a scholar whose deep insight into the Qur’an and the Sunnah has transformed hearts and illuminated lives across the world.

At a time when so many Muslims feel spiritually overwhelmed, disconnected, or longing for a renewed sense of purpose, gatherings like these become more than community events. They become moments of mercy, of clarity, and of remembrance. They offer us a chance to slow down, recalibrate our hearts, and sit with those who remind us of Allah with every breath.

 

Imam Fode Drame

Why This Night Matters

Imam Fodé Dramé is known for his rare ability to unveil the spiritual realities of the Qur’an in a way that speaks to people of all backgrounds. Whether one is newly practicing or deeply learned, his reflections offer a unique window into the prophetic path—one that emphasizes sincerity, self-knowledge, love, and surrender to the One who created us.

At a time when many feel fatigued by the noise and pressures of daily life, his teachings bring us back to what is essential:

  • How do we refine our hearts?

  • How do we live with presence, awareness, and gratitude?

  • How do we align our daily lives with the wisdom of the Qur’an and the Sunnah?

  • How do we nourish a connection with Allah that is real and lasting?

These are not merely academic questions. These are the questions of the soul—and they form the core of Imam Fodé’s spiritual message.

A Monday Gathering — For a Reason

While it is unusual to hold a major program on a Monday evening, perhaps there is wisdom in that. Our lives are crowded with responsibilities and deadlines. Weeks pass quickly, and our spiritual needs often become the first to be neglected.

This Monday gathering is an invitation to pause.

A reminder to prioritize what truly matters.

An opportunity to begin the week not with exhaustion or distraction, but with light.

For those who attend, this night may be the very reset the heart has been craving.

 

A Night of Mawlid, Reminders, and Suhbah

This special evening will feature:

  • Mawlid in honor of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ

  • Heart-softening reminders rooted in Qur’anic wisdom

  • Suhbah (spiritual companionship) — the powerful experience of sitting with righteous teachers

Suhbah has always been a central pillar of Islamic tradition. Long before books, institutions, or online lectures, Muslims learned their religion by sitting with scholars whose character and presence reflected the light of the Prophet ﷺ. Through these gatherings, hearts were softened, intentions purified, and faith renewed.

For many who have previously attended Imam Fodé’s programs, it is the suhbah that leaves the deepest and most lasting impact.

This Event Is FREE — All Are Welcome

To make this night accessible to the entire community, this event is completely free to attend. We want every seeker, every family, and every soul in need of spiritual nourishment to feel welcome without hesitation.

However, as with all Lamppost programs, community support plays a vital role in making gatherings like this possible.
Donations are encouraged for those who are able, so we can continue offering high-quality spiritual and educational programming to the broader Muslim community.

Your presence is a gift. Your support sustains the work.

An Invitation to the Atlanta Community

We encourage families, youth, students, and all seekers of knowledge and spiritual renewal to join us this Monday. Even if you have a full schedule or doubts about attending on a weekday, consider this a moment to place your heart first. Every gathering of remembrance is attended by angels, and every step taken toward Allah is met with divine generosity.

If you’ve been longing to reconnect with your spiritual life…
If you’ve wanted to expose your children to uplifting environments…
If you’re seeking clarity in your relationship with Allah…

This may be the moment Allah has placed in your path.

Event Details

📅 Monday, December 15, 2025
🕖 7:00 PM
📍 Muad Bin Jabal Islamic Center
6204 Memorial Dr., Stone Mountain, GA 30083

FREE admission — donations welcome.

We hope to see you there. May this gathering be a source of benefit, illumination, and renewed commitment to the path of Allah and His Messenger ﷺ.

—
Lamppost Education Initiative
Supporting spiritual learning, scholarly excellence, and transformative Islamic education for our community and beyond.

Imam Fode Drame was born in the Senegambia region of West Africa. He descends from the clan of Jakhanke whose unique expression of Islam dates back over 1,100 years. Since arriving in Canada in the 1990s, Imam Fode Drame has continued in the tradition of the Jakhanke imams by serving as a community leader and scholar of Islam, however he has also been an extraordinary teacher of Quranic exegesis, a guide for spiritual development or ‘tasawwuf’, and a healer to all those who seek his support.

Additionally, Imam Fode has authored a series of books titled “Expansions” of which he has currently published five volumes. He has also published a unique translation of the Quran, called Anwar ul-Quran. In 2005, Imam Fode founded Zawiyah Foundation, a non-profit charitable organization dedicated to his vision for humanity. Zawiyah Foundation has been at the forefront of a number of community development and support initiatives since its inception; through Zawiyah, Imam Fode has been pioneering the Islamic participation in interfaith dialogue in Vancouver, and continues to lead his Foundation through the hosting of yearly interfaith dialogue events. Among charitable endeavors, Zawiyah Foundation initiated the Hastings Project, a program which aims to provide warm meals to those in need in one of Canada’s poorest neighborhood, the Vancouver Downtown East Side.

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]]> Mercy & Profit: Principles of Islamic Commerce and Finance-Dr. Abdullah bin Hamid Ali https://lamppostedu.org/mercy-profit/ Sun, 15 Jun 2025 18:52:49 +0000 https://lamppostedu.org/?p=19230 Course Description “Rahmah & Ribh” (Mercy & Profit): Principles of Islamic Commerce & Finance is a comprehensive self-paced course designed to introduce students to the Islamic foundations of ethical commerce and Shariah-compliant finance through the guidance of the Qur’an, the Sunnah, and classical Islamic scholarship. Taught by Dr. Abdullah bin Hamid Ali and presented by […]

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Course Description

“Rahmah & Ribh” (Mercy & Profit): Principles of Islamic Commerce & Finance is a comprehensive self-paced course designed to introduce students to the Islamic foundations of ethical commerce and Shariah-compliant finance through the guidance of the Qur’an, the Sunnah, and classical Islamic scholarship.

Taught by Dr. Abdullah bin Hamid Ali and presented by Lamppost Education Initiative, this course explores both foundational principles and contemporary financial issues affecting Muslims today.

Register NOW
'Rahmah and Ribh' (Mercy and Profit): Principles of Islamic Commerce & Finance' with Dr. Abdullah bin Hamid Ali-Lesson 1

Students will study topics including:

  • Classical and contemporary forms of currency
  • Ownership transfer methods and contract law
  • Markets, trade ethics, and valid business transactions
  • Ribā (usury), gharar (avoidable risk), and invalid transactions
  • Mortgages, stocks, bonds, partnerships, monopolies, warranties, financing, and more

The complete course includes:

✔️ 11 pre-recorded sessions
✔️ Downloadable course materials
✔️ Self-paced access to all lessons
✔️ A special live Q&A session with Dr. Abdullah bin Hamid Ali (date to be announced)

The first lesson of the course is available here on our website below. Registered students will receive full access to the remaining sessions and course materials beginning Sunday, May 17.

All discussions are rooted in the teachings of the Qur’an, the Sunnah, and the scholarly tradition of Islam while addressing practical financial realities faced by Muslims in the modern world.
Begin with the free first lesson below and experience the depth, clarity, and practical relevance of this course for yourself.

 
 
 
Register NOW

About the Instructor:
Dr. Abdullah bin Hamid Ali is an associate professor of Islamic law at Zaytuna College and the founding director of
the Lamppost Education Initiative. He holds a BA in Shariah law, an MA in Ethics and Social Theory, and a PhD in
Cultural and Historical Studies in Religion. At Zaytuna, he heads the Honors Program and teaches Introduction to
Hadith, the Principles of Islamic Jurisprudence, Family Law, Inheritance Law, and Commercial Law. He is the
author of several articles, essays, and books including The Negro in Arab Muslim Consciousness. He also hosts a weekly
YouTube and Spotify podcast entitled “Talking with Teachers.”

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]]> Retaining Spiritual Insights-Dr. Abdullah bin Hamid Ali https://lamppostedu.org/sayd1/ Sat, 01 Mar 2025 04:13:16 +0000 https://lamppostedu.org/?p=19080 Session 7 Session 6 Session 5 Session 4 Session 3 Session 2 Session 1 Join us this Ramadan for an inspiring live series exploring the wisdom of Imam Ibn al-Jawzi’s classic work Sayd al-Khatir (“Captured Thoughts”). Enrich your spiritual journey with timeless insights and uplifting reflections that have guided hearts for centuries   Who was […]

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Session 7

Session 6

Session 5

Session 4

Session 3

Session 2

Session 1

Join us this Ramadan for an inspiring live series exploring the wisdom of Imam Ibn al-Jawzi’s classic work Sayd al-Khatir (“Captured Thoughts”). Enrich your spiritual journey with timeless insights and uplifting reflections that have guided hearts for centuries

 

Who was Ibn al-Jawzi? A renowned 12th-century Muslim scholar celebrated for his deep knowledge and eloquence , Ibn al-Jawzi (d. 1201) wrote Sayd al-Khatir as a personal journal of spiritual gems. This beloved book is filled with thought-provoking quotations and maxims that reveal profound insights on religion, ethics, and self-improvement. 

Each session will delve into these short but powerful reflections – perfect for the reflective atmosphere of Ramadan.

Your Instructor: Dr. Abdullah bin Hamid Ali – Professor of Islamic Law at Zaytuna College and Founder of the Lamppost Education Initiative.  

Dr. Abdullah will guide us through selected readings, helping us retain and apply these spiritual insights in our daily lives. Known for making classical knowledge accessible, he will connect Ibn al-Jawzi’s wisdom to our modern context, with a focus on the spiritual aspects of Islam (tasawwuf).

Please support the Lamppost Education Initiative during this Blessed Month of Ramadan

These live sessions will take place during the blessed month of Ramadan beginning on Wednesday, March 5th, 2025 at 3pm PST, 5pm CST, and 6pm EST. You can watch the sessions directly on this  page of our website, as well as on our YouTube channel, Facebook page, or Twitter.

The Last Book Written by Imam Abu Hamid al-Ghazali
Click here for more details on this book from the Lamppost Education Initiative

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]]> Special Interview with Dr. Abdullah bin Hamid Ali https://lamppostedu.org/interview-new-book/ Tue, 14 Jan 2025 18:05:52 +0000 https://lamppostedu.org/?p=18944 https://youtu.be/OJSEf54E5HQ?feature=shared In this insightful YouTube interview hosted by Paul Williams on his channel “Blogging Theology,” Dr. Abdullah bin Hamid Ali delves into the core themes of his groundbreaking work, The ‘Negro’ in Arab-Muslim Consciousness. Dr. Ali and Mr. Williams explore how classical Muslim scholars perceived race, focusing on key figures like Al-Mas’udi and Ibn Khaldun, […]

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In this insightful YouTube interview hosted by Paul Williams on his channel “Blogging Theology,” Dr. Abdullah bin Hamid Ali delves into the core themes of his groundbreaking work, The ‘Negro’ in Arab-Muslim Consciousness. Dr. Ali and Mr. Williams explore how classical Muslim scholars perceived race, focusing on key figures like Al-Mas’udi and Ibn Khaldun, as well as distinctions made between African groups such as the Zanj, Moors, and Nubians. This candid dialogue sheds light on the historical context of racial thought, offering viewers a chance to reconsider long-held notions about culture, identity, and social norms in the pre-modern Islamic world.

Order your copy of this book by clicking the link HERE:

Click Here

“The ‘Negro’ in Arab-Muslim Consciousness” by Dr. Abdullah bin Hamid Ali offers a fascinating exploration of how race and cultural perceptions were understood in pre-modern Arab-Muslim thought.  With expanded content and improved readability in its second edition, this work challenges modern assumptions about race and provides profound insights into the intersection of history, culture, and religion.

Starting Monday, Jan 20, 2025-Season Four 'Talking With Teachers" Podcast

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]]> “Islam, Arab Culture, and Black Identity: Dr. Abdullah bin Hamid Ali’s Response to Dr. Umar Johnson” https://lamppostedu.org/umar-johnson/ Sat, 21 Sep 2024 13:10:53 +0000 https://lamppostedu.org/?p=18731 Dr. Umar Johnson is known for his controversial and perceived pro-Black stances. His statements above is indicative and common amongst many Black orientalist who attack Islam with claims about its ‘Arabness’. Dr. Abdullah bin Hamid Ali addresses Dr. Umar’s comments with some wonderful reflections on the reality of Islam “I saw how we completely ignore […]

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Dr. Umar Johnson is known for his controversial and perceived pro-Black stances. His statements above is indicative and common amongst many Black orientalist who attack Islam with claims about its ‘Arabness’. Dr. Abdullah bin Hamid Ali addresses Dr. Umar’s comments with some wonderful reflections on the reality of Islam

“I saw how we completely ignore Black people’s problems, we completely ignore Black culture, We completely ignore Black reality. It was all Islam, learn your Arabic and I’m like-I’m a practicing Arab-I’m not practicing Islam, I’m practicing Arabism. Why I got to learn arab language to worship God, why I got to eat like the Arab to worship God, why do I have to dress like the Arab to worship God…”
                                                                    Dr. Umar Johnson

Dr. Abdullah bin Hamid Ali response:

“Well, Islam is called “submission to God’s will.” And if God expects you to speak a certain language to worship Him, you surrender inasmuch the same way that Abraham—upon him God’s blessing and peace—did when he was expected to sacrifice his son. 

Secondly, it seems that Dr. Umar is very comfortable speaking and worshipping God in English rather than a language indigenous to Africa. That’s if you worship God at all. Are you guilty of adopting white English culture because of that? 

Thirdly, plenty of Africans speak Arabic and didn’t feel it beneath them to learn it. And that didn’t make them feel inferior to Arabs. They did it because they wanted to understand God’s holy book and to speak the lingua Franca which connected them to the global community of Muslims. Fourthly, Arabic is the language of Muslim ritual and scholarship. Just as Catholics use Latin during their mass, Muslims use Arabic during our ceremonial prayers. Of course, that doesn’t mean we’re just modeling ourselves after Catholics. Beyond the ceremonial prayers, one is free to supplicate God in one’s native language; you can ask God for whatever you want from the heart. No need to speak Arabic for that. This is just the nature and norm of ritual. Doesn’t mean you’re becoming an Arab or worshipping them. God judges people by the content of their character and state of their hearts. 

Fifthly, you are not required to eat and dress like an Arab to be Muslim. It sounds like childhood trauma is what led you to leave Islam. Lastly, there are plenty of Muslims and scholars who write and speak about the concerns of black people. Look up Dr. Sherman Jackson and his works for example. I even have a book entitled, “The Negro in Arab Muslim Consciousness.” There are also others. Come back to Allah, Dear brother.

Exciting News!
The highly anticipated second edition of Dr. Abdullah bin Hamid Ali’s groundbreaking work, “The Negro in Arab-Muslim Consciousness,” is coming soon! This expanded edition delves deeper into the complex relationship between race, identity, and Islam, offering fresh insights and analysis. Stay tuned for its release!

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]]> Faith & Society with Dr. Abdullah bin Hamid Ali https://lamppostedu.org/faith-society/ Fri, 14 Jun 2024 05:39:18 +0000 https://lamppostedu.org/?p=18485 **Faith and Society** is an engaging new series where Dr. Abdullah bin Hamid Ali explores a wide range of topics, from ethical dilemmas to global affairs, offering invaluable insights from an Islamic perspective. These monologues are crafted to provide deep understanding and address challenging questions from an Islamic viewpoint. For instance, in our inaugural episode, […]

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**Faith and Society** is an engaging new series where Dr. Abdullah bin Hamid Ali explores a wide range of topics, from ethical dilemmas to global affairs, offering invaluable insights from an Islamic perspective. These monologues are crafted to provide deep understanding and address challenging questions from an Islamic viewpoint. For instance, in our inaugural episode, “Harms of Adultery,” Dr. Ali delves into the rationale behind the stringent penalties for adultery in Islamic law, particularly stoning.

Join us for this exclusive series featuring Dr. Abdullah bin Hamid Ali, Founding Director of the Lamppost Education Initiative, as he shares his expertise and perspectives. The series is available on our YouTube channel—don’t forget to like, share, comment, and subscribe to stay updated with our latest episodes.
Click below to catch up with a special interview in this series:  the latest episode of this series: ‘Truth, Freedom, and Victimhood’ with Owen Benjamin

Truth, Freedom, and Victimhood: A Conversation with Owen Benjamin

“Blacklisted by Hollywood and banned from mainstream platforms, Owen Benjamin has a lot more to offer than just laughs. His ideas have greater value than his jokes. This controversial comedian who has built an amazing network “off the grid” has much to teach us about independence, motivation, creativity, and success on our own terms. 
 Join us for this special conversation between, Dr. Abdullah Ali and comedian Owen Benjamin as they try to help us avoid being brainwashed and manipulated, forced to make unnecessary difficult decisions, and overcome by victim consciousness” 
     Dr. Abdullah bin Hamid Ali on this special, live online presentation with Owen Benjamin. You can view this session live here on our website-click the link below. You can also view the live session on our Facebook page, or YouTube page. This Sunday, Noon, EST/9 am PST. 

The Permissibility of Dogs in Islam: A Maliki School Perspective with Dr. Abdullah bin Hamid Ali

Who Is Qualified To Speak For Islam?

Harms of Adultery

The 'Talking With Teachers' Podcast

“Talking with Teachers” Podcast by the Lamppost Education Initiative! 🌟 For years, Lamppost has been a beacon of diverse English-speaking Muslims, dedicated to our rich Islamic tradition. Now, we’re taking it a step further with our new podcast series!

In each episode, we dive deep into the world of education, featuring insightful conversations with Islamic teachers from various backgrounds. Whether you’re an educator, a student, or simply passionate about learning, this podcast is packed with knowledge and inspiration just for you.

Join our vibrant community and let’s illuminate the path to effective teaching and learning together! 🌐✨

🎧 Tune in now: https://lamppostedu.org/talking-with-teachers Don’t miss out on the latest episodes of Season 3!

#Education #IslamicTradition #Podcast #Learning #Teachers #LamppostEdu #TalkingWithTeachers

 
 

 

Dr. Abdullah bin Hamid Ali

He holds a Ph.D. in Cultural and Historical Studies in Religion (2016) and an M.A. in Ethics and Social Theory (2012) from the Graduate Theological Union. He  obtained his B.A. (ijaza ‘ulya) in Islamic Law (Shariah) from the prestigious Al-Qarawiyin University of Fes, Morocco in 2001. He served as full time Islamic chaplain at the State Correctional Institute of Chester, PA from 2002-2007, and is the founding director of the Lamppost Education Initiative. He currently serves as an Associate Professor of Islamic law and Prophetic Tradition at Zaytuna College in Berkeley, California. His research interests include the interconnection between law and identity formation, comparative Islamic law, and Islam’s role in the modern world.
Click HERE to see more articles, videos, and more from Dr. Abdullah Ali

The post Faith & Society with Dr. Abdullah bin Hamid Ali appeared first on Lamppost Education Initiative.

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